Reach Sports Foundation supported Durban High School basketball superstar Thabo Sithole to attend the prestigious Hoop Group Elite Camps in the United States.

Thabo spent two weeks in Reading and got to go up against some of the best high school ball players in the US. Hoop Group is a comprehensive basketball company dedicated to fulfilling dreams of players, parents, and coaches by providing the best instruction, competition, and exposure.

Thabo participated in two camps:

1: Academic Elite Camp, 16 – 19 July 2: Elite Camp, 23 – 26 July

We caught up with Thabo and asked him about his experience of the camps:RSF: What was your highlight of the camps?TS:The highlight of the camp was the intense focus and work ethic of all the players who were there. I realised that there are a lot of players around the world who are as passionate about basketball as I am.

RSF: What lessons did you learn?TS: The lessons I learned at Hoop Group was not to give up on a basketball game until the final whistle goes off band to trust team mates on the court. I also learned to make better decisions and work hard to be an elite player.

RSF: What would you like to say to everyone back in South Africa?TS: I would like to say to everyone in South Africa especially young boys and girls to train hard because the level of basketball is different in America. If young people work hard then they can get opportunities to pursue their education and play basketball.

RSF: What was good about the Hoop Group camp?TS: The great thing about Hoop Group is that it brings together scouts and talented players together to secure a good future for both players and coaches in the success of their schools. This is something that I had only experienced at the Basketball Without Borders camp run by NBA Africa.

RSF: What has this experience meant to you?TS: This experience has meant a lot to me personally and has added more value to my basketball game.

RSF: What do you hope to gain out of the experience?TS: I hope to gain more knowledge out of this experience and share my experience with the less fortunate. There are many kids who do not get the opportunity and given the right support and a chance they can be successful.

RSF: What would getting a scholarship to a US College mean to you?TS: A scholarship to USA would mean a lot to me because of the financial instability at home. I love playing basketball and am a hard working student, Most of all I would like to make my mom happy and reduce the financial strain on her.

While attending the camps Thabo is in the process of completing his final year of High School in Durban and has his final exams on the way as well as the SAT exam. If all goes well we hope he will become the first athlete we have supported to pursue his dream of getting a high quality education and play basketball in the US.

We would like to that the guys at Hoop Group for their support. Thanks to Durban High School, The US Consulate in Durban, David Flynn and Lesego Goba for their incredible support. It is true that 'umuntu ungumuntu ngabantu’ (a person exists because of other people). Without you this would not have been possible.

This is so inspiring, one of our very own, making waves in the States. Great work Thabo, you've really made South African ballers proud. I'm especially excited at how young you still are, if there's anything that a growing player needs in order to reach their full potential it's Passion, Talent and Time, you have all these. Keep up the good work!!

Reply

thabo sithole

1/7/2014 07:11:23 pm

Thank you.....I will carry on working harder....

Reply

Schalk

1/28/2014 07:42:26 pm

Thanx for sharing, good stuff.
A luta continua.

Reply

Leave a Reply.

Reach Sports.

We celebrate the power of sport to make a difference in communities around the world.